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In a moment that fans will be talking about for years, RuPaul’s Drag Race pulled off something truly iconic during its Season 17 finale—an appearance from the one and only Liza Minnelli herself. While Alexis Michelle’s impersonation of Liza during the Season 9 Snatch Game is still considered one of the show’s best performances, nothing beats the real deal stepping onto the main stage. Host RuPaul Charles awarded Minnelli the Lifetime Achievement Award, marking a major moment in the show’s history.
Speaking to Variety, producer Tom Campbell summed it up simply:
“I always say the drag gods have been very good to RuPaul’s Drag Race over the years, the celebrities, supporters and the politicians who have joined us. It’s always worked out, and this? I bow to the drag gods.”
And honestly, so did everyone watching.
How RuPaul’s Drag Race made it happen
Getting Minnelli to appear on RuPaul’s Drag Race was no easy feat—or at least it seemed that way at first. Campbell explained that when the time came to brainstorm Lifetime Achievement Award honorees, “a bunch of names came up.” But RuPaul had laser focus.
“‘Let’s get Liza,’”
He said, and that was that.
At first, Minnelli felt out of reach.
“She seemed un-gettable, like that’s too much to ask for,”
Campbell admitted. But the timing was perfect. Minnelli was already enjoying a resurgence thanks to her PBS documentary Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story and a New York Magazine cover story. Plus, as it turned out, Minnelli’s management team were big fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race and knew the heart behind the show. After several conversations, things came together easily, and a dream moment was locked in.
A true moment of love on the RuPaul’s Drag Race stage
When Liza Minnelli finally arrived on set, Campbell wasn’t sure what to expect. But what he saw left a deep impression.
“She emanates all this love, kindness and attention to other people,”
he said.
“I thought, ‘Liza is surrounded by love.’”
Minnelli’s team included beloved figures like Michael Feinstein, and the vibe was overwhelmingly positive. These weren’t just assistants—they were people who had traveled alongside Liza through decades of American music history. They weren’t the only surprise, either. Minnelli’s younger brother, Joey Luft, made an appearance too. Campbell shared,
“I’ve not seen him in public for a long time, and he was there. She was constantly like, ‘Where’s Joe?’ ‘Come on up, Joe?’ She was so protective of him.”
In that moment, RuPaul’s Drag Race became more than just a TV show. It was a space where legends celebrated each other, surrounded by love.
Why Liza Minnelli’s cameo matters to RuPaul’s Drag Race fans
Minnelli’s cameo wasn’t just another celebrity endorsement for RuPaul’s Drag Race. It carried deep meaning for fans, many of whom have looked to her as an icon for decades. Campbell reflected on this connection, saying,
“She has made her fans, her chosen family. That’s how it feels. She has shared her hardships and triumphs.”
Throughout her career, Minnelli stood as a steadfast ally to the LGBTQ community, long before it was common for celebrities to do so. “
She has raised millions of dollars for AIDS research at a time when it was very scary time, and she’s unflappable,”
Campbell noted.
Having her on RuPaul’s Drag Race wasn’t just about star power—it was a heartfelt nod to her decades of support, resilience, and unbreakable spirit.
A legendary moment for RuPaul’s Drag Race history
As the glitter settled and the credits rolled, it was clear that Liza Minnelli’s cameo would go down as one of the greatest moments in RuPaul’s Drag Race history. For longtime fans, it wasn’t just about seeing a star on stage—it was about recognizing the love, resilience, and community that Minnelli has represented for decades.
Campbell captured the significance of it all, saying,
“She gave us such a huge gift by being part of the show.”
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It was a moment that honored Minnelli’s legacy while reminding fans why RuPaul’s Drag Race continues to resonate so deeply with audiences around the world.
And honestly? It was Liza with a Z—and a whole lot of heart—gracing the runway in a way only she could.
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